College lacrosse: Syracuse defeats Providence, 18-9

PROVIDENCE, R.I.  The Syracuse University mens lacrosse team made its first trip to Providence College an eventful one.

Sophomore midfielder Henry Schoonmaker scored three goals, and sophomore attackman Kevin Rice and freshman midfielder Derek DeJoe each contributed two goals and two assists as the fourth-ranked Orange defeated the Friars, 18-9, on Tuesday night in a Big East game at Lennon Family Field.

Syracuse (5-1 overall, 2-0 Big East), which is ranked No. 4 in both the Nike/Inside Lacrosse Top 20 poll and USILA Coaches poll, extended its winning streak to four games.

Syracuse had tremendous ball movement and was able to work the ball tight to the cage, Providence coach Chris Gabrielli said. They displayed lights-out shooting.

Luke Cometti, Dylan Donahue, Kyle Henry each scored two goals for the Orange, which remains unbeaten in conference play.

Billy Ward, Derek Maltz and Matt Walters each chipped in with a goal and two assists for Syracuse.

Defensively, Syracuse allowed only four goals in the first three quarters by Providence (5-2, 1-1), including just one in each of the first two periods.

The Orange played three goalies, with junior Dominic Lamolinara making 11 saves to earn the win. Bobby Wardwell (two saves) and Ben Romagnoli (one save) also played in net.

Sean Wright totaled four points, including three goals, to pace Providence and Andrew Barton tallied two goals and an assist.

Goalie Jack Connelly made 10 saves for the Friars.

The Orange used a pair of runs in the first half to take control as Providence scored the games first goal, but Syracuse responded with a 6-0 run.

The Friars then tallied the first score of the second quarter, but the Orange scored the games next five goals to lead 11-2 at halftime.

Syracuse outshot Providence, 11-4 in the opening 30 minutes.

We fouled way too often in the first half, Gabrielli said. The penalties forced us to play, in excess, man down opportunities, which Syracuse was able to capitalize on. In their extra-man opportunities, Syracuse got off great shots.

Rice contributed his two goals and two assists in the first half for the Orange.

We didnt get to play much offense in the first half, Gabrielli said. We missed a few ground-ball opportunities that we would like to have back which gave Syracuse second chances.

Syracuse has won five straight games, including wins over national powers Virginia and Johns Hopkins, as well as Big East opponent St. Johns, after a season-opening, double overtime loss to the University at Albany.

Syracuse returns to action with a Big East game at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Villanova.

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